First-person essays about love, family, work, community and culture in Minnesota.

Winter fun! Watching my Californian neighbors puzzle over Minn. quirks

The new Minneapolis neighbors embraced and even improved upon our regional idiosyncrasies.

10,000 Takes

Every woman should try living in a tiny apartment like my place on Grand Av.

December 12, 2018

Author Brittany Chaffee has adapted well to living small in St. Paul.

Here's how living alone in a 400-square-foot space can be a great way to find yourself.

Don't Miss

Meet the tent dwellers on my Minneapolis block: 'We have children, you know'

September 21, 2018

Junior and Daniela live in a tent in the Lyndale neighborhood, not far from the I-35 ramp.

The encampment has been a source of tension in my neighborhood — and in my own home.

Inspired

September 1, 2018

Steve Aggergaard with his found wallet at the State Fair.

How a lost wallet at the State Fair renewed my faith in Minnesotans

I figured somebody had picked my pocket.

Variety

July 10, 2018

The author celebrated her 30th birthday.

I'm single and I love it, but Minnesotans don't seem to believe me

In Minnesota, the average age of a bride is 26.9. It's just not socially acceptable to be unmarried past age 28.

10,000 Takes

July 3, 2018

My annual obsession with finding (and blasting) summer's hottest song

An annual quest seeks the single track that captures our national mood.

Variety

May 24, 2018

In this 1989 file photo, cars filled with weekend travelers line up on 6th Street in Brainerd.

A local's take on Up North weekenders: 'It really felt like an invasion'

I grew up on Lake Mille Lacs, where locals like me had a complicated relationship with our big-city visitors.

Music

March 5, 2018

Justin Timberlake performed during halftime at Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis.

What it was like to perform in 'chaotic' Super Bowl halftime show with J.T.

A clarinetist in the University of Minnesota's marching band was live with Justin Timberlake.

Super Bowl LII

January 30, 2018

Jared Goyette, right, with friend/fellow Eagles fan Brendan Woodcock.

Explaining Eagles fans to Minnesotans: We embrace our 'rough side'

It's true that the average Philadelphia sports fan has a chip on his shoulder. It's part of the way the city sees itself.

Variety

January 10, 2018

1975: Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson caught Roger Staubach’s “Hail Mary” pass as Vikings cornerback Nate Wright tumbled.

For this Vikings fan, Sunday's playoff game could repair wounds festering since 1970s

The Vikings have a shot at being the first NFL team to have home-field advantage for the Super Bowl. But for the team's fans, there's a lot more at stake than football.

StarTribune